House of Commons clerk Charles Robert told staff Tuesday he is off duty following allegations of incompetence and pro-Liberal bias..Blacklock’s Reporter said the Speaker’s office knew nothing of the $231,000-a-year clerk’s paid leave..“I am not sure where you are getting your information,” said Heather Bradley, spokeswoman for the Speaker..“He is working. He is working from home.”.When asked if Robert intended to continue working from home with Parliament in session, Bradley replied: “That is personal information.”.“I have decided to take a few days away in light of recent events,” said Robert who told staff he is not on the job..On Monday, opposition MPs requested copies of all e-mails and letters between Roberts and the Government House Leader after allegations he leaked confidential records to Liberal MPs on procedural matters. Robert had denied the allegations..According to cited sources by the CBC, Robert has been the subject of five complaints by senior managers since he was appointed Commons clerk in 2017..Complaints included allegations Robert slept on the job, tipped off Liberals in advance of procedural rulings and celebrated a Conservative loss in the 2019 general election as good for his career..Several Commons managers had resigned under his watch, the CBC said..Robert has denied any wrongdoing..“I want to really lament the attacks and the smears that are taking place,” Government House Leader Mark Holland told reporters Tuesday..“This is a man of extraordinary integrity. These allegations are baseless..“I can say in all my dealings with the clerk he’s been a man of integrity who has been beyond reproach in his non-partisanship,” said Holland..The 44th Parliament opens Monday with a speech from the Throne..“This is not fair ball; this is a public servant and I’m very disturbed by what is going on,” said Holland, who made no specific reference to the allegations..“People serve this place. All of the people who do their job tirelessly on behalf of Parliament, particularly over this past period of time to make sure this Parliament works — we have the opportunity to ask these questions and adjudicate these matters in a closed session where we can talk about employee performance..“The way this is being treated, the smear that’s happening on the clerk, it is deeply disturbing to me.”.Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
House of Commons clerk Charles Robert told staff Tuesday he is off duty following allegations of incompetence and pro-Liberal bias..Blacklock’s Reporter said the Speaker’s office knew nothing of the $231,000-a-year clerk’s paid leave..“I am not sure where you are getting your information,” said Heather Bradley, spokeswoman for the Speaker..“He is working. He is working from home.”.When asked if Robert intended to continue working from home with Parliament in session, Bradley replied: “That is personal information.”.“I have decided to take a few days away in light of recent events,” said Robert who told staff he is not on the job..On Monday, opposition MPs requested copies of all e-mails and letters between Roberts and the Government House Leader after allegations he leaked confidential records to Liberal MPs on procedural matters. Robert had denied the allegations..According to cited sources by the CBC, Robert has been the subject of five complaints by senior managers since he was appointed Commons clerk in 2017..Complaints included allegations Robert slept on the job, tipped off Liberals in advance of procedural rulings and celebrated a Conservative loss in the 2019 general election as good for his career..Several Commons managers had resigned under his watch, the CBC said..Robert has denied any wrongdoing..“I want to really lament the attacks and the smears that are taking place,” Government House Leader Mark Holland told reporters Tuesday..“This is a man of extraordinary integrity. These allegations are baseless..“I can say in all my dealings with the clerk he’s been a man of integrity who has been beyond reproach in his non-partisanship,” said Holland..The 44th Parliament opens Monday with a speech from the Throne..“This is not fair ball; this is a public servant and I’m very disturbed by what is going on,” said Holland, who made no specific reference to the allegations..“People serve this place. All of the people who do their job tirelessly on behalf of Parliament, particularly over this past period of time to make sure this Parliament works — we have the opportunity to ask these questions and adjudicate these matters in a closed session where we can talk about employee performance..“The way this is being treated, the smear that’s happening on the clerk, it is deeply disturbing to me.”.Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
